# @squirrelmusttravel on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C8w8fA8JRgo
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20038247-squirrelmusttravel-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2d72edec13.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-06-28T15:41:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Evan & Angela Miller / Adventure Travel (@squirrelmusttravel) — https://gondola.cc/squirrelmusttravel

## Caption

Moments from Ecuador 🇪🇨 and one of our favorite travel experiences—Day ☝️. 

Have you heard of the Quilotoa Crater? 

Out of all the wild experiences in Ecuador, hiking portions of the #QuilotoaLoop and circumnavigating this 8-mile rim trail, may top our list. And yes, that includes the Galapagos… 🦭

Here’s what we learned ⤵️

You can visit the Quilotoa Crater in a number of ways. Most take a long day trip from #Quito, which allows you to peer into the vast crater, and perhaps walk down to the water. 

And some lucky few experience the Crater after trekking for 4 days, while staying in local villages. 

But after much research, we decided to do the opposite. We booked a local stay in a small town nearby, and via public transportation, we arrived to the Crater before 7am. We hiked along the rim counter clockwise to watch the teal lake glow up while the sun was just rising, and the air was crystal calm. 

(Most arrive by midday, when the winds are WILD)

But by 11am we’d looped the entire lake, and traversed its brutal peaks 😮‍💨, and just then—fellow travelers and hikers began to arrive. Like clock work—the wild winds erupted and rain clouds loomed. We thought we might be blown off the caldera! (Pic 3)

For those planning to visit Quilotoa we highly recommend: 

1. Start Early - there are numerous hotels in the town of Quilotoa. Avoid the heat, crazy winds, and enjoy a quiet trail (we honestly didn’t see anyone until 11am!).

2. Hydrate Well - and bring plenty of water (even if it’s cold, the 12,000ft elevation is brutal!). 

3. Dress in Layers— the weather changes fast ☀️💨 🌧️ 

4. ACCLIMATE — sustained hiking at 12k elevation, with STEEP ups and down and sheer cliffs, is no joke 😮‍💨.

5. Support Local Communities—consider staying in nearby hostals, and trying traditional food. A highlight of this experience was connecting with locals, and meeting travelers at banquet meals. DM us for a link to our home stay. 

6. Respect the Environment- carry out all trash and stay on marked trails 🙏.

Quilotoa was an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for an adventure with jaw-dropping scenery, this is it! 🌋💚

Stay tuned for Day 2 in Quilotao 🤩.

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## Tags

quito, quilotoaloop

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